Determining client information –

CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

Section 2: Reference Sources

Sources of information

Information is derived from many sources. They can be grouped into –

 Primary sources: These are where the information is created - e.g., personal papers,
diaries, letters, recording an interview. For example, Captain Cook’s Endeavour journal

 Secondary sources: These comment on events, discoveries etc. - e.g., textbooks,

encyclopaedias, yearbooks, articles in a periodical. For example, Richard Hough’s
Captain James Cook: a biography

 Tertiary sources: These are used to track existing information - e.g., indexes and
abstracts, catalogues, bibliographies. For example, M.K. Beddie’s Bibliography of Captain
James Cook, R.N., F.R.S., circumnavigator

NOTE: Reference sources are always secondary or tertiary resources

What Are Reference Sources?

Information can be found in almost any library resource. However most libraries keep a
collection of specific reference/information books for finding facts and definitions and
for information such as

 the population of some city or country

 the address of some person or organization
 the birth and/or death dates of a well known person
 the definition or a term or phrase in an unfamiliar field

The answers to questions like these can be found in reference sources such as almanacs,
directories, biographical dictionaries, specialized dictionaries, encyclopaedias,
handbooks and yearbooks.

Types of reference works

 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

There is a huge number and variety of reference works. Many are general works,
designed to answer specific questions and sometimes also provide more extensive
information.

There are even more specialised reference works. They range from dictionaries and
encyclopedias on specific subjects to directores of particular types of people or
organisations, to regional or national atlases, yearbooks and so on.

Dictionaries

A dictionary is work containing a selection of words from a particular language, usually

arranged alphabetically, with explanations of their meaning, pronunciation and other
information. The quality of dictionaries depends on the purpose, country of origin and
authority of the editor or editorial board. You may find variations of meaning in several
different works. You need to assess whether the difference is because context or
accuracy.

Differences may be duer to culture, place of publication or policy on current usuage.

Related works

These works provide some of the same information as dictionaries.

 Thesaurus: Contains synonyms and related words and phrases. Most thesauri
are arranged in classified order although some are alphabetical. A thesaurus is
also a list of terms used in a database.
 Lexicon: Is usually a dictionary of an ancient language,e.g. Latin.
 Glossary: Is an alphabetical list of definitions, usually in a particular subject or
field.
 Concordance: Is an alphabeticial list of the principle words in a book, e.g. the
bible or works by a particular author such as William Shakespeare., with
references to the text.
Here are some types of dictionaries and related works –

 Children’s dictionary  Dictionary of acronyms and

 Dictionary of synonyms and abbreviations
antonyms  Subject dictionary
 Usage dictionary
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

 Dictionary of slang  Rhyming dictionary

 Dictionary of new words  Crossword dictionary
 Dictionary of quotations  Thesaurus
 Dictionary of phrases  Greek lexicon
 Foreign language dictionary  Glossary of technical terms
 Dictionary of place names  Concordance
 Dictionary of people’s names  National or regional dictionary
 Dictionary of Aboriginal
language(s)

Encyclopedias or Encyclopedias

An encylopedia(note spelling variation between US and En glish version) is a systematic

work of all significant knowledge., or a summary of the knowledge on one subject. No
encyclopedia can be comprehensive, although larger multi-volume sets claim to contain
all the general information people need. A single volume encyclopedia cannot cover
topics in any depth, but can be useful for straightforward factual information.

It is important to read the introduction of an encyclopedia, since they are organised

differently, have various emphases, and often suffer from a national or other bias.
Clients mostly use encyclopedias to search for specific facts – who, what, where, when
and how. They are a good starting point for a more detailed search.

Many encylopedias are now available on cd-rom or on the Internet, including

Encyclopeda Britannica and World Book Encyclopedia. This format enables sound and
animation to enhance the presentation of the information. Cross referencing is much
easier as it is possible to click on links and go to a related topic or an explanation of a
term.

Encyclopedias can be of a general nature, have national or regional coverage or cover a

particular subect

Geographical sources of information

There are three main types of geographical soures. They provide information about
places, towns, cities, villages, rivers, mountains and lakes.
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

 Maps: These represent part of the three-dimensional world on a flat surface.

There are many types of maps, including physical, political and thematic maps.

 Atlases: These consist of maps and indexes to help users find places on the
maps. These include atlases of the world, space, regions, countries, historical
events and road or street directories.

 Gazetteers: These are geographical dictionaries that list places, their locations,
and other factual information. Recent editions provide up-to-date details and
older edtions provide historical information. Entries may include pronunciation,
location, area, population, geographical and physical descriptions and historical
data.

Biographical sources

Biographical sources provide informaiton about people, including details of each

person’s full name, parents, date and place of birth, gender, education, personal life,
memberships, offices and positions held, achievements, honours and awards.

They are usually arranged alphabetically by surname. Some sources include portraits
and bibliographies that lead to more detailed information. These sources, called
biographical dictionaries or directories, usually include entries based on country,
occupation or profession, gender, race and whether the person is living or dead.

Some biographical dictionaries are compiled by historians and/or subject experts using
primary and authoritative secondary sources. Other contain information supplied by
the subjects themselves. The authority of the publisher is vital to ensure that the
information is reliable, rather than what the subjects wish to be the case.

Types of biographical sources include –

 Universal or international – These include entries for people from all countries
and tend to be restricted to notable public figures, excluding popular
entertainment and sporting personalities. They may include biblical, mythological
or legendary people and may include living and/or dead people. E.g. Encyclopedia
of world biography.

 National or regional – These include entries for people from al particular

countries, states or local areas, e.g. Who’s who in Australia
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

 Subject, race, gender, occupation: These are limited to a particular occupation,

subject or special characteristic, e.g. women, aborigines,

 Current periodicals and periodical indexes – Some publications focus on up-to-

date information about people as they become well know. Others provide access
to recent biographical articles in journal, e.g Current biography and yearbook,
Biography index.

Directories

Directories are lists of people, organisations, courses, services and so on. They contain
contact and often, other details.

Directories of organsiations include the full name of each organisation, its address,
telephone number, names of personnel or office bearers, its function or purpose, date
of establishment, a brief history, its activities, services and publications.

A good directory should be –

 up-to-date

 updated regularly

 easy to use

Yearbooks and almanacs

Yearbooks and almanacs are annual publications that contain many useful
miscellaneous facts. Since they are updated every year, their informaiton is likely to be
current. Their small size and straightforward arrangement make them easy to use
reference sources

 Yearbooks – Contain up-to-date information in brief, descriptive or statistical form.

Remember that the 2009 yearbook contains information about 2008. Contain up-
to-date information in brief, descriptive or statistical form. Remember that the
2009 yearbook contains information about 2008. Yearbooks may be a collection of
statistical information relating to one or more countries, e.g Year book Australia,
Statesman’s year-book.

 Almanacs - Almanacs are useful annual publications of facts and statistics,

information is often condensed into lists or tables, e.g. Whitaker’s almanac.
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

Handbooks and manuals

 Handbooks - A handbook is a concise source of information for a particular field of

knowledge. Handbooks are useful ready reference sources on a subject area of an
occupational field, e.g. The law handbook.

 Manuals – A manual is a book that gives instructions, rules for procedures on

doing, making or performing something. Manuals cover a wide range of topics.

News summaries

News summaries are weekly or monthly digests of news events, usually looseleaf and
stored in date order. Cumulations are published regularly and include a detailed index,
e.g. Facts on file, Keesings record of world events (also available online)

Statistics

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) is the official statistical organisation for the
Commonwealth and State governments of Australia. It collects statistical information
for governments, business, education, planners, community organisations and the
public. It aims to encourage and assist informed decision-making, research and
discussion in the community.

The two main types of data collection are –

 Census – data collection about everyone or everything in a group or population.

Census are currently conducted every five years.

 Sample surveys – only a part of the total population is approached.

ABS data is available in print, cd-rom and online.

Standards
Standards Australia develops Australian Standards, often in association with
international standard bodies. Standards are statements of the minimum requirements
to ensure that a product, material or procedure will do the job it is intended to do.

Standards are prepared by committees representing industry, consumer organisations,

trade unions and government. The standards are constantly reviewed and updated.
When using standards make sure you are looking at the most up-to-date. There are
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

over 5000 Australian standards covering topics from building codes to library shelving.
Standards are available in print and online.

Annual reports
Annual reports are a valuable source of current information on organisations,
government departments, companies and statutory bodies. They contain mission
statements, personnel details, policies, descriptions of programs and financial statistics.

How Do you Know What Kind of Reference Source you need.

Decide what type of reference book supplies that category of information. Each type
of information need is best served by a particular type of reference source.

If you need to find: You need to use this type of source

How many people are killed in Statistical abstract, yearbook or

automobile accidents each year? almanac

How many immigrants arrive in Australia Statistical abstract, yearbook or

almanac

The number of homicides committed Statistical abstract, yearbook or

each year. almanac

A list of sources(books, articles, etc.) on Bibliography

child abuse, acid rain international
terrorism, etc.

Background or biographical information Encyclopaedia

on jazz and jazz musicians,
minicomputers, famous actors, writers,  General
sports personalities, etc.
 Specialized

Biographical reference
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

Names and addresses, phone numbers, Directory

publications, etc. for organizations,
agencies or services  General

 Specialized

Definition of terms in a particular field Dictionary

 General

 Specialized

A summary of the current status of Yearbook

year's work in an area

Examples of Reference works found in University of Ballarat Library

Encyclopaedias. Dictionaries.

 Encyclopaedia Britannica  Dictionary of 20th Century Art

 Encyclopaedia of 20th Century  Dictionary of Abbreviations  

Architecture
 Dictionary of Archaeology  
 Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal
 The Australian concise Oxford
Australia Aboriginal And Torres
dictionary
Strait Islander

 The Concise Oxford dictionary of

 Encyclopaedia of Australian
quotations /
Potters Marks

 Encyclopaedia of Australia
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

 The Concise Oxford-Duden  Australian almanac.

German dictionary: German-
 The World almanac and book of
English
facts.
Bibliographies
Directories
 Bibliography Of Australian
 Directory Of Australian
Literature Project
Associations  
 Bibliography Of Australian
 Directory Of Community Health
Children’s Books
And Support Services For The
 Bibliography of the Victorian Grampians Region
Aborigines, from the earliest
Geographical sources
manuscripts to 31 December
1970.  The Cambridge Dictionary of
Australian Places /
Indexing and abstracting services.

 Master Names File [Australia

 Index To The Literature Of
1:250000 And 1:100000 Master
Australian Painting 1945 1966
Names Gazetteer (Place Names)]
Yearbooks,
 The Ausmap atlas of Australia
 Yearbook Of Science And [cartographic material]
Technology  
 Coastal invertebrates of
 Australian motion picture Victoria : an atlas of selected
yearbook 1980 species

Almanacs  Macmillan world atlas.

 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.
Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

Biographical sources

 Biographical Dictionary

 Biographical Dictionary Of Artists

 Biographical Dictionary Of
Modern World Leaders 1992 To
The Present

Concordance

 A complete concordance or
verbal index to words, phrases
and passages in the dramatic
works of Shakespeare with a
supplementary concordance to
the poems

 The Exhaustive concordance of

the Bible
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.

Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

Examples of Reference works found in University of Ballarat Library

Encyclopaedias.
 Encyclopaedia Britannica
 Encyclopaedia of 20th Century Architecture
 Encyclopaedia of Aboriginal Australia Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander
 Encyclopaedia of Australian Potters Marks
 Encyclopaedia of Australia

Dictionaries.
 Dictionary of 20th Century Art
 Dictionary of Abbreviations  
 Dictionary of Archaeology  
 The Australian concise Oxford dictionary
 The Concise Oxford dictionary of quotations /
 The Concise Oxford-Duden German dictionary: German-English

Yearbooks,
 Yearbook Of Science And Technology  
 Australian motion picture yearbook 1980

Almanacs
 Australian almanac.
 The World almanac and book of facts.

Directories
 Directory Of Australian Associations  
 Directory Of Community Health And Support Services For The Grampians Region

Geographical sources
 The Cambridge Dictionary of Australian Places /
 Master Names File [Australia 1:250000 And 1:100000 Master Names Gazetteer
(Place Names)]
 The Ausmap atlas of Australia
 Coastal invertebrates of Victoria : an atlas of selected species
 Macmillan world atlas.

Biographical sources
 Biographical Dictionary
 Biographical Dictionary Of Artists
 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.

Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

 Biographical Dictionary Of Modern World Leaders 1992 To The Present

 Determining client information –
CULLB401C
School of Human Services – Department of Humanities & F.E.

Advanced Diploma of Library/Information Services

Concordance
 A complete concordance or verbal index to words, phrases and passages in the
dramatic works of Shakespeare with a supplementary concordance to the poems
 The Exhaustive concordance of the Bible